Big Lemon Bus CEO and Brighton and Hove councillor Tom Druitt says the city is the "best it's ever been" and we should all be grateful for living here.

His comments come after the city centre was branded a "warzone" due to alcoholism, rubbish, graffiti and open drug dealing through windows.

Cllr Druitt tweeted: "Tired of people talking Brighton down.

"It’s only the locals I hear doing it… everyone who comes here to visit loves it! And walking around, it’s easy to see why.

"This is the best city around, those of us who are fortunate enough to live here should be grateful."

Big Lemon CEO and Green councillor Tom Druitt

Last week, The Argus reported how there are fears Old Steine Gardens, home to several monuments of national historic significance, is becoming a "no-go area" after dark.

Only one of ten lampposts in the area is working, graffiti has been painted over walls and rubbish has been pictured mounting up on street corners.

A crackdown has been launched, with council officers writing to other authorities in a bid to tackle problems in the area.

READ MORE: Crackdown launched on city centre 'warzone'

Cllr Druitt said: "The city is the best it’s ever been… in every direction there is stuff happening, and so much regeneration.

"The seafront is beautiful, and the eastern seafront too is really getting its mojo back.

"Yes there are problems, there are always problems. And yes, some get worse, as some get better. We absolutely have to keep working at the things that need attention.

"But we have also come a long way, with so much. The new Hanningtons Lane is beautiful.

"On the beach there are more beachfront bars and restaurants than there have ever been, with nice outdoor seating and the re-built Shelter Hall.

"It was bustling today, everyone having a good time.

"Going west, all the arches are beautifully restored, full of quaint little shops, galleries, the West Pier Trust and Rampion visitor centres.

"And people playing beach tennis and basketball, including a guy well into retirement shooting hoops.

"And everywhere people having a great time. A hen party silent disco. My son entertaining a group on the beach with a kayak paddle. A few women having a natter in some deckchairs. And an interesting looking religious ceremony in full swing by the water’s edge.

"The West Pier still hanging on in there, weirdly still incredibly striking and rather beautiful.. and the old supports turned into public art.

"And then there’s the Upside Down House, looking like it’s just blown over, and the beautifully restored bandstand, ready for a wedding.

"By the Peace Statue there were a number of games of boules in full swing. And at Hove Lawns they were getting ready for the Brighton Marathon

"Next to Hove Lawns is the beautiful Brunswick Town seafront, one of the architectural jewels in the city’s crown.

"Coming off the beach we walked through the lovely little streets on the eastern edge of Hove, then took the bus to Churchill Square.

"Even Western Road was looking pretty today - the hanging baskets make a real difference. And I just love the retro food wagons in Churchill Square.

"And finally over to St James’s St.. epicentre of gay Brighton, a bohemian melting pot of colour, where everyone is made to feel welcome. The gateway to Kemptown, a town within a city with the feel of a village.

"I love it, I just love it. And you should too."